Who’s Been Served and How?

Abstract

Child welfare systems were created to protect maltreated children. However, adolescents today can be involved with child welfare for reasons other than maltreatment, including behavior issues. Such youth are also commonly involved in the youth corrections system. This study examines youth characteristics and risk factors which predict attaining permanency at case closure for youth involved in child welfare primarily for behavioral reasons. The sample consists of 5,691 youth aged 10–17 served in Colorado between 2007 and 2013. A multinomial logit model identified predictors of nonpermanent outcomes and of placement with return home, compared to remaining home throughout case involvement. Results show that the following characteristics and risks have a positive relationship with nonpermanent outcomes: longer case duration, prior child welfare placement, felony involvement, crimes against persons or property, truancy, running away, and gang membership. Services provided by the child welfare system are negatively related to nonpermanent outcomes.